In late March 2021, the murders of 6 Asian American women in Atlanta brought new attention to a disturbing and hateful trend of growing violence against members of the Asian American community, a legacy of the anti-Asian sentiment built and nurtured by white supremacist culture in America. As philanthropy – and many other groups and sectors within the US – came together to decry the hatred, many Asian American and Pacific Islander (AA/PI) individuals within the sector were left to grapple with the impact of a moment that resonated both personally and professionally.

Below, four Asian American members of the philanthropic community – Claudia Leung, Jonny Moy, Jennifer Nguyen, and Cristiana Baik  – share their perspectives on the violence, immediate philanthropic response, and hopes for the sector’s commitment to AA/PI communities long-term.

This is part two of two reflections from these four leaders within our membership.

In order to use philanthropy to drive social change, it is crucial that new practitioners in the sector understand its context, history, and challenges. Philanthropology™ is EPIP's signature curriculum that responds to this need with an in-depth critical study of philanthropy through a social justice lens that includes academic and practitioner perspectives. EPIP developed the Philanthropology™ curriculum in 2012 and revised it in 2021 as a learning series for inclusive leaders working at all levels and in various roles in the philanthropic sector. 

The Philanthropology™ curriculum includes 9 hours of synchronous virtual sessions spread over several weeks supplemented by reading materials, videos, and reflection activities. Participants learn the landscape and history of the philanthropic sector and dig into concepts like intersectionality, movement building, grantmaking with an equity lens, and strategies for putting this knowledge into practice. 

This 3-module curriculum uses a liberatory facilitation lens to accommodate multiple learning styles and methods of engagement. Participants are encouraged to come to sessions relaxed and ready to learn with peers across the country. 

The curriculum is delivered by trained facilitators from within the EPIP community, providing an opportunity for EPIP members and alumni to share their knowledge and perspectives as emerging leaders in the sector. The content is also informed by EPIP’s Inclusive Leadership Framework and develops participants’ sector knowledge, ability to take an equity analysis, and so much more!  

Interested in staying informed or participating in a future cohort? Sign up below to be notified about new Philanthropology™ sessions.

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Check out our frequently asked questions to learn more or email us at [email protected] with any questions or feedback. 

Register for the Winter 2025 Cohort! 

Registration is now open for our Winter 2025 Cohort. This cohort will meet on Wednesdays: February 19, March 5, and March 19.

Member registration can be found here.

General registration can be found here. 

Webinar Recap - "Dissonance & Disconnects" Report Briefing

Originally aired on September 27, 2018

Written by EPIP Chicago Steering Committee Members, 

Claire Kaufman

Cristina Guerrero